When University
Courtyards apartments opens its doors in August, student housing at
UNCP will never be the same.

Located across University
Drive from campus, University Courtyards will offer 98 apartments to
334 students. The apartments offer attractive features like:

Fully furnished
with two and four bedroom options

Dishwasher, microwave,
washer and dryer

Phone, cable
TV and Internet connections

Monitored intrusion
security system with card-entry, panic button in bedrooms and on-site
security

Fire sprinkler
system in every room

Outdoor pool,
volleyball and basketball courts and barbecue grills

Clubhouse with
a computer lab, game room and fitness center

"This
is the future of student housing - study hard, live easy," says Craig
Kennedy, property manager for the Ambling Company. "This is not just
a place to live - we serve the total student.

Ambling, which operates
19 other student apartment complexes across the nation, began site preparation
in November 2000, and construction has proceeded smoothly toward an
August opening date, Mr. Kennedy said.

The idea to bring
private housing to the university was initiated more than two years
ago by Chancellor Allen C. Meadors.

"Today's students
have diverse housing needs," Chancellor Meadors said. "In University
Courtyards, we have a solid company which will offer our students a
first class off-campus residential experience."

If early indicators
are on target for UNCP's surging enrollment, the additional housing
space will be welcome at a growing university this fall.

"We are planning
for our second consecutive record freshman class and a record number
of transfer students," he said. "A mix of public and private housing
will meet demands for student housing now and in the future when enrollment
is considerably larger."

For Ambling's part,
the company is pleased with the initial response from students.

"Interest has been
high," Mr. Kennedy said. "We are working hard to plan an exciting opening."

University Courtyards
is planning a "Splash Bash" to coincide with the opening of the new
Track and Soccer Complex, also on University Road.

"It is a bit of
luck that both facilities on this side of University Drive will open
at the same time," Mr. Kennedy said. "I get a great feeling for the
future of UNC Pembroke."

At
$355 per person for four bedroom apartments and $440 per person for
two bedroom apartments, the rent is affordable, Mr. Kennedy said. All
utilities - electric, water, sewer, phone, cable and high-speed Internet
connections are included - are included.

"When we sit down
and crunch the numbers, the price is quite reasonable," he said.

University officials
are understandably enthusiastic about the new student housing opportunity.

"It's exciting,"
said Admissions Director Jackie Clark. "It gives a new definition to
the term commuter student."

Ms. Clark and others
believe that University Courtyards gives students more housing options
and may bolster student satisfaction. It also makes a positive statement
about the direction the university is headed.

"It is tangible
evidence of a growing, successful university," she said.